VOTERS across South Cheshire have been assured they will receive election packs by today after a string of problems threatened to derail the first all-postal ballot.

Printing delays and unforeseen problems have plagued the postal voting scheme which is designed to significantly boost the turnout in this month's borough council elections.

Ballot papers were supposed to have been delivered to voters by Friday giving them time to return the forms to be counted at the close of poll on June 10.

But printing firm Opt2Vote, one of 12 contractors preparing papers for 14 million people, admitted problems with the process would delay the delivery for some council areas.

In a crisis meeting with council chiefs from across Cheshire they reassured election officials the forms would be passed to Royal Mail by today - four days behind schedule.

Now voters in both Crewe and Nantwich Borough and Congleton Borough are being reassured there is still plenty of time to get their ballot papers in for the count.

Congleton Borough Council chief executive Glyn Chambers said despite the problems the election will be able to go ahead as planned.

He said: 'Contractors engaged by the Cheshire authorities to print ballot papers encountered difficulties and were unable to adhere to the timetable.

'But contingency plans are in place to ensure that residents receive their voting papers in good time and we are confident that there will be an enthusiastic response to this pilot.'

Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council elections officer Ralph Bason said he has been told to expect all residents to have received their packs by today.

He added: 'There have been problems printing the ballot papers. These problems weren't expected and have affected boroughs nationwide.

'People will still have time to fill in the forms and return them. We would advise them to do this as soon as possible to give Royal Mail time to deliver.'

The postal system has been designed to increase turnout in the borough elections which has been damaged by a sense of apathy for local politics.

Royal Mail North West general manager Steve Leach said: 'We have put in place a dedicated team to ensure the process runs smoothly.

'We are confident our experience in handling large mailings such as the census in 2001 will ensure we can fulfil our role in the election process.'

A spokesman for printing firm Opt2Vote said: 'Due to exacting standards that we have set for the production of the ballot packs, changes have been necessary to the delivery schedule.' Crewe and Nantwich residents who have not received their ballot packs by Thursday can call the elections helpline on 01270 537005.